What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is often confused with ulcerative colitis. Both are intestinal diseases, but there are differences.

Crohn’s disease is an intestinal disease that is chronic and the cause of which is still unknown today. Some sufferers suffer from it very much, as the diarrhea that is possible due to the disease is a burden on their everyday life. Find out what is behind the disease!

Crohn’s disease: cause unknown

According to current research, the cause of Crohn’s disease (MC) is still unknown. Inflammatory bowel disease is chronic and since the cause is mostly unexplained, a cure is rarely possible. Possible causes can be:

• Genetics : Many people with Crohn’s disease have an altered gene.
• Changed intestinal mucosa, which is less resistant to bacteria.
• Infestation of certain bacteria in the intestine.
• Smoking doubles the risk of developing MC.
• Psychosomatics : the psyche can also lead to intestinal diseases.

• Excessive hygiene: Soaps, disinfectants, emulsifiers, etc. can damage the intestinal mucosa.

It is generally believed that there is not one specific triggering factor that leads to Crohn’s disease in all patients. It is likely that many factors, perhaps including parameters that are still unknown, lead to the development of the disease.

Symptoms

Since MC is often confused with ulcerative colitis, you should not under any circumstances choose a self-diagnosis, but instead consult your doctor.

The following symptoms may indicate Crohn’s disease, but are not conclusive evidence:

• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• nausea
• Vomit
• anemia
• Abscesses on the anus
• Skin changes
• Inflammation of the eyes
• Joint discomfort

Often times, patients develop depression, anxiety, or mental disorders as a result of some of these symptoms. However, this can make the disease worse and should definitely be treated.

diagnosis

If you notice that something is wrong with your bowel based on the symptoms, you should see a doctor. Your family doctor may refer you to a specialist who can then make the diagnosis – or possibly find another reason for your symptoms.

The doctor can use the following methods to diagnose Crohn’s disease and rule out similar diseases such as ulcerative colitis:

• Ultrasound examination
• Blood test
• roentgen
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Colonoscopy
• Taking and examining tissue samples

Probably not only one of the methods mentioned will be used, because the diagnosis must be accurate. Precisely because doctors “confuse” Crohn’s disease with ulcerative colitis, accuracy is important.

Even if you have been given a diagnosis, you should always ask for a second or third opinion, because the disease has a chronic course and, if you are unlucky, will accompany you throughout your life.

therapy

Anyone with Crohn’s disease will get to know two types of therapy : one therapy is used for an acute attack, the other therapy is used to reduce the attacks and weaken their intensity.

The following methods are possible during an attack:

• Tube feeding to ensure the supply of nutrients without straining the intestine
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., cortisone)
• Anti-bacterial drugs (antibiotics)
• Surgical removal of affected sections of the intestine

None of these methods lead to a cure. They only ensure that the supply of nutrients is guaranteed during an attack and that the inflammation or the attack can subside.

However, these methods do not cure the disease. The following measures can be taken to reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks:

• Immunosuppressants: Drugs that prevent excessive immune system reactions
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Drinking food against nutritional deficiencies (e.g. iron)
• psychotherapy
• Relaxation techniques

The rule here is: the more methods, the better! Since the cause has not been clarified, you should work “on all channels” to reduce and mitigate relapses.

Alternative treatments

Anyone who suffers from Crohn’s disease should place themselves in the experienced hands of a doctor, as malnutrition can otherwise lead to further serious damage to health.

Alternative treatment methods are therefore always to be used as a supplement and never exclusively! You can try the following methods:

• acupuncture
• Special carbohydrate diet
• cannabis
• Mastic resin

However, there are no meaningful studies on these methods that guarantee their effectiveness. Self-help groups can also be a good basis for receiving further tips on how to deal with the disease.